Old English Game

History

The Old English Game has been seen in Great Britain since the 19th Century and is a descendant of the ancient fighting cocks. The breed hasn't changed very much for over a thousand years. They were probably the first breed of chicken ever developed in Britain and have always been fighting birds. For fights, the comb and wattles were removed to give a more aggressive appearance and to prevent damage during fights. This was known as dubbing. Although cock fighting has been banned in this country since 1849 and many other countries, the breed is still popular amongst poultry fanciers as an ornamental fowl. The Old English Game Club split into two in the 1930s so there are now two types of Old English Game: The Carlisle and The Oxford. The Carlisle Old English Game has a horizontal back, a large breast and can be seen in 13 different colours while the Oxford Old English Game has a back at 45Ã‚Âº to the ground and has 30 different colour varieties. They are small birds with a tightly feathered plumage. The head is small with a big, strong beak, single comb, small thin earlobes and wattles and large eyes. The wings are large and powerful and the legs are strong and short. They have four toes ending in long, curved nails. Because of their excellent muscle distribution, they make wonderful table bird. There is also a Ã‚Â¼ sized bantam.

Behaviour

The Old English Game hen lays well and makes an excellent, reliable brooder and a very protective mother. The chicks are slow to mature and possess the fighting nature from a very young age. They are generally calm birds but it is important to keep mature cocks apart as they will fight each other to the death if they are allowed to. They are hardy and vigorous birds and can be extremely active and very noisy! They make good foragers and like to be out free ranging as they don't really tolerate being confined due to their need to be active. They can fly to around 2 metres so care needs to be taken with boundaries. Cocks weigh around 5lbs while the hens are 4lbs. They are known for their longevity.

Sorry, there are currently no Old English Game listed for Sale

Latest Reviews For Old English Game (5 of 24)

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These are the greatese birds G-d ever created.
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Marvin,
16 October 2018

If you want a beautiful bird then look no father than than these birds here. Each different type of bird in the Old English Game Chickens is beautiful not too many other breeds can match them bird for bird.

I can't believe they're "fighting" birds
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Jillian,
15 November 2016

I accidentally got the bantam version at an auction. What a happy accident! They are by far my favorite chicken breed. They are so friendly and adorable. They fly up on my lap and shoulder all the time. They always makes sounds like their laughing. I am now breeding them!

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Dwight,
26 April 2016

Good overall bird

Love this breed
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Ruth,
6 May 2015

I have had hens and cockerals and all have been lovely, super tame and excellent mothers.
They are brilliant foragers and my hens lay everyday even during the winter months.
The only problem I have found is finding some for sale.
If anyone has any for sale, I would love a couple more hens to add to my chicken family.
Please email me

OEGB
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Graham,
12 October 2014

Hatched off 2013, I have them as garden birds, was a bit unsure if they would stay as can fly well and high. I don't fine them particularly noisy as some people have claimed. I run 3 with a mixed flock of Sussex and Wynadotte bantams without problems.
The have layed eggs pretty much throughout the year when the others packed up for the winter, each one about 5 a week.
I used one as a broody for 3 Wynadotte Bantams, she made an excellent mother although aggressive if you came near her brood, funny when they tried to get under her wing when they grew.
A thoroughly entertaining little bird, who can fly well but, is happy to stick around with the rest of the ground dwelling birds.